Sanders, who leads the Broncos in catches (71), receiving yards (868) and receiving touchdowns (four), was running routes early in Wednesday's practice when he fell to the ground after making a sharp cut. He grabbed his lower left leg almost immediately, and the team's trainers examined Sanders before helping him to the locker room.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection has been the focal point of the team's passing offense since the Broncos traded Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans on Oct. 30. Sanders has been used in a variety of ways in the offense and also has a 35-yard touchdown run among his four rushing attempts this season.

"It's tough,'' quarterback Case Keenum said. "... You don't really replace guys. Emmanuel is one of the best guys I've ever worked with. ... It surpassed all my expectations, far and away.''

With Sanders' injury, the three players who are currently 1-2-3 in receptions on the team -- Sanders, Thomas and tight end Jeff Heuerman -- are either gone or injured.